Walking the Waterways and Villages of Madeira

One of Madeira's many charms is its infinite variety; each day's walking and every levada - the island's unique network of water channels - is different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas. Also a nature lover's paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the pride of Madeira, the bird-of-paradise, along with jacaranda, tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks - the list is endless. On this self guided walking holiday in Madeira you are free to explore at your leisure as car hire is provided and you drive to and from the start of the walks each day. Walking many of the levadas for which Madeira is so famous for you explore the best the island has to offer. With fantastic vistas of the island from Paul do Mar in the west to the hills on the Eastern side of the island around Machico which was originally the capital of Madeira. Discover the lakes of Madeira and the impressive Lagoa do Venta waterfall and walk to one of the highest peaks on island the Pico Grande. Take time to discover the capital Funchal, known for its historical centre and bustling market place.

KEY INFORMATION 

7 nights single centre accommodation in a 5-star hotel

Management by your local Headwater appointed agent

Headwater navigation app

Location start: Madeira

Location end: Madeira

HIGHLIGHTS ❇️

❇️ Wonderful walking along the levadas of Madeira and seeing the most beautiful waterfalls on the island

❇️ Known as the floating garden of the Atlantic, Madeira offers a wealth of flora and fauna and unforgettable beauty

❇️ Excellent 5* hotel with an exclusive and refined feel, relaxing spa and wellness centre, just 30 minutes from Funchal

Included ✅

✅ Accommodation

✅ All breakfasts

✅ Group B Car Hire

✅ Standard transfers

✅ GPS Route directions and maps

✅ Self-Guided Tour

✅ Detailed Itinerary (upon booking confirmation)

Not Included ❌

❌ Flights (optional item)

❌ Travel Insurance (optional item)

❌ Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

❌ Solo traveller supplement (Where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

❌ Half boards upgrades available (optional item)

❌ Car hire upgrades (optional item)

❌ Visas or vaccinations

⚠️ Optional items can be added to your travel upon your request

Onsite / Nearby ➡️

➡️ Island

➡️ Country/Lakes

➡️ Rural/Coastal

➡️ Mountains

➡️ Beach

Itinerary

Day 1 Pico Grande

Start your walking from a height of 1200m to the Pico Grande; one of the highest peaks of the Island with stunning views over Nun's Valley, Ribeira Brava and Pico Ruivo. The climb to the top of Pico Grande is challenging but very worthwhile especially on sunny and clear days. Walking poles are recommended for this walk. 

You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included) briefing before dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Day 2 Lakes of Madeira

Walk alongside the Levada do Alecrim enjoying fantastic views over the Rabacal valley. You walk past 3 waterfalls, the most impressive being the second one; Lagoa do Vento. After passing the waterfalls you make your way back, there is a shelter house in Rabacal where you can enjoy a drink and a snack before taking the shuttle bus (3€ payable locally) to return to the car park. 

You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 15.0 km / 9.3 miles

Day 3 Paul Do Mar

This circular walk takes you to one of the most beautiful villages of the island, Paul do Mar. An impressive walk, if a little steep in the first part until sea level. Stop in the centre of the village for a break before passing through the countryside to Faja da Ovelha where you'll follow the levada back to Prazeres. You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 20.0 km / 12.4 miles

Day 4 Free Day

Spend a day exploring at leisure in the capital, Funchal. Explore the historic centre with its Gothic cathedral built in the 16th century, the collegiate church with impressive gilt work and soak in the atmosphere. Try the local flavours in the bustling farmers market with exotic fruits and the traditional honey cake and don't forget to visit Funchals most colourful street, the Rua de Santa Maria where the doors have been brightly painted with murals. There's a myriad of places to enjoy a perfect lunch down by the harbour. 

You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 Machico area

This walk takes you into the hills of Machico which was the first capital of the island. After the walk through the mountains you will be rewarded with superb views over the North coast and the enchanting Risco view point. Climb in the direction of Pico Castanho, heading towards the fishing village of Canical with super views over Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Take the levada back to your car.

You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 18.0 km / 11.2 miles

Day 6 Lombada and the levada Nova

Starting at the church in the village of Loabada there are excellent views today with panoramic views of the valley and the beautiful village of Ponta do Sol. Following the levada do Moinho you will climb the path that leads to Levada Nova where you'll reach its impressive waterfall before arriving back in Lombada.

You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 8.5 km / 5.3 miles

Day 7 Leave Madeira

Leave hotel and return your hire car back to the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer Details

Free arrival and departure transfers for all customers to and from the end hotel.